What’s Included & What Costs Extra on a Disney Cruise 🚢
Meals, Entertainment, Kids Clubs, Drinks & More Explained
One of the biggest surprises for first-time Disney cruisers is just how much is included in the cruise fare.
At the same time, knowing what costs extra helps you budget smartly and avoid unexpected charges.
This guide clearly breaks down:
What’s included in your Disney cruise fare
What costs extra onboard and in port
Where Disney offers the best value
How to plan your cruise budget with confidence
What’s Included on a Disney Cruise ✔️
Let’s start with the good news — a lot is included.
🍽️ Dining & Food (Included)
Included dining options:
✔️ Rotational dining in main restaurants
✔️ Casual dining (buffets & quick service)
✔️ Room service (most items)
✔️ Snacks, ice cream, and soft-serve 🍦
✔️ Soda, coffee, tea, and juice (at drink stations)
👉 DCLCruisingDad Tip:
You’ll never go hungry — and you can order multiple entrées and desserts at dinner.
🎭 Entertainment & Shows (Included)
Disney entertainment is top-tier and included.
✔️ Broadway-style stage shows
✔️ First-run Disney movies
✔️ Deck parties & fireworks at sea 🎆
✔️ Character meet-and-greets
✔️ Live music & themed events
No reservations or extra fees required.
🧸 Kids Clubs & Family Activities (Included)
One of Disney’s biggest strengths.
✔️ Oceaneer Club & Lab
✔️ Tween and teen spaces
✔️ Family game shows
✔️ Character experiences
👉 Important:
Nursery care for ages 6 months–3 years costs extra.
🏝️ Castaway Cay (Included)
At Disney’s private island:
✔️ Beach access
✔️ Chairs, umbrellas, towels
✔️ BBQ lunch
✔️ Soft drinks and ice cream
Some activities like snorkeling and bike rentals cost extra.
🚿 Stateroom & Services (Included)
🚿 Stateroom & Services (Included)
✔️ Twice-daily housekeeping
✔️ Towel animals 🐘
✔️ Rotational dining service team
✔️ Youth club programming
What Costs Extra on a Disney Cruise ❌
Now let’s talk about the extras.
🍸 Alcoholic Drinks & Specialty Beverages
Not included:
❌ Alcohol
❌ Specialty coffee and smoothies
❌ Bottled water
Gratuity is included in drink pricing.
🍽️ Specialty Dining
Adult-exclusive restaurants cost extra:
❌ Palo
❌ Enchanté or Remy
A service charge is added automatically.
💆 Spa, Salon & Fitness Classes
❌ Massages and treatments
❌ Salon services
❌ Personal training or fitness classes
🧒 Nursery Care
❌ Nursery for ages 6 months–3 years
Charged hourly and must be reserved.
📸 Photos & Photo Packages
❌ Professional photos
❌ Photo packages
You can still view photos before purchasing.
🌍 Port Adventures & Shore Excursions
❌ Excursions at ports of call
❌ Specialty island activities
Some ports are easy to explore independently.
💳 Gratuities & Service Charges
❌ Daily gratuities (recommended)
❌ Spa and specialty dining service charges
👉 See your Disney Cruise Line Gratuities Guide for details.
Port Fees, Taxes & Fuel Surcharges ⚓
✔️ Port fees and taxes are included in your cruise price
✔️ No fuel surcharges on Disney Cruise Line
Budgeting Tips for First-Time Cruisers 💡
✔️ Prepay gratuities
✔️ Decide on photo packages early
✔️ Set an onboard spending limit
✔️ Bring refillable water bottles
✔️ Review onboard charges nightly
Is a Disney Cruise Worth the Price?
For many families, yes.
When you factor in:
✔️ Entertainment
✔️ Kids clubs
✔️ Dining
✔️ Castaway Cay
Disney cruises often offer strong overall value, especially for families.
Final Thoughts from DCLCruisingDad ⚓
A Disney cruise isn’t all-inclusive — but it’s close.
Knowing what’s included and what costs extra lets you:
Budget smarter
Relax onboard
Avoid surprises
Plan ahead, and you’ll get the most magic for your money.